The Federal Government of Nigeria is about to commence construction of what it calls the Legacy Superhighway.
Government described it as Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project, saying it is a 477kilometers Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Apo superhighway.
The superhighway would be an offshoot of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
Minister of works, Engr. David Umahi spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement organized by his Ministry yesterday, saying henceforth all the road projects in the country will be reinforced with concrete slabs to last 50 years before any maintenance is required.
Umahi explained that the proposed Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Apo superhighway is a huge investment which will bring a lot of benefits to all Nigerians, particularly to the residents of the benefiting states.
Umahi sought the support for the proposed Superhighway from all governors in the north central part of the country where the road will traverse.
He stated that the project was beyond road construction, but an investment that would serve as a catalyst that will revive the economy of the country.
He assured that the completion of the Lagos-Ondo-Edo-Delta-Bayelsa-Rivers-Akwa Ibom-Cross Rivers, as well ad the Sokoto-Kebbi-Niger-Kwara-Oyo-Ogun-Badagry superhighways was also certain.
“There are a lot of benefits because of these three superhighways. I want to assure that this is beyond road construction, but it is an investment. This is because it is a catalyst that is going to revive the entire economy of the country.
“I request that you buy into it and support Mr. President who still has about seven more years to deliver these projects. We believe that with these seven years, these three legacy projects shall be delivered.”
According to the minister, each of the sections of the roads has six lanes. It also has a train track. We are also using solar streetlights.
“The benefits of these three legacy projects cannot be overemphasized. It is going to be done in concrete. Sokoto-Badagry has 53 dams on that section. Any road properly constructed on concrete will last for the next 50 years.
“The Lagos-Calabar has a lot of potentials. In fact, we are aiming at finishing the first section 47.7km by May next year and we will be tolling it immediately,” the minister.
Speaking for the Governors and other stakeholders, the Chairman of North Central Governors Forum and incumbent Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule applauded the federal government for embarking on such iconic projects that had been in the pipeline for decades, while expressing their commitments to give adequate cooperation for the success of the FG’s superhighway.
